Many of the characters invoke the idea of being "conventional" or "unconventional" as a personality trait either in themselves or other characters. Vivie clearly rejects conventions in relation to what it means to be a woman and what is expected...

In terms of Vivie's belief that women can and should make their own decisions, Vivie is her mother's daughter. Vivie understands her mother's actions, but she cannot understand her desire to continue in her occuation after it has become...